Pin This cinnamon sugar drop biscuit recipe transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions with minimal effort. The warm cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen while these tender, fluffy biscuits bake, and the honey butter takes them to an entirely new level of deliciousness.
I created these biscuits one Sunday morning when my in-laws surprised us with a visit. They were such a hit that they've become our signature weekend breakfast treat, especially during fall and winter months when we crave something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: creates the perfect tender structure while providing enough protein for a slight chew
- Cold unsalted butter: delivers those heavenly flaky layers when it melts in the oven
- Whole milk: adds richness and helps activate the baking powder for maximum rise
- Vanilla extract: enhances the sweet flavor profile without overpowering
- Ground cinnamon: provides that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with the sugar
- Baking powder: ensures proper lift and fluffiness in these no-fuss biscuits
- Honey: for the butter spread offers complex sweetness that store-bought spreads simply cannot match
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The high heat is crucial for creating steam from the cold butter that will help your biscuits rise beautifully.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. This even distribution ensures every bite has balanced flavor.
- Cut in Butter:
- Add your cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs about the size of peas. Work quickly to keep the butter cold which is essential for flaky texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, then stir gently with a fork or wooden spoon just until the dough comes together. The mixture will look slightly shaggy and that is perfect. Overmixing develops gluten which makes tough biscuits.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for topping, mixing well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the sugar.
- Form Biscuits:
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop drop heaping portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each biscuit. The rustic, irregular shape gives these biscuits their homestyle charm.
- Add Topping:
- Generously sprinkle each biscuit with the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to cover the entire top surface for that sweet, spiced crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the biscuits sound slightly hollow when tapped. Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
- Make Honey Butter:
- While the biscuits bake, whip together the softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy. The whipping incorporates air that makes the spread extra luxurious.
- Serve Warm:
- Allow biscuits to cool just slightly before serving with generous dollops of honey butter. The warm biscuits will melt the butter slightly, creating the perfect bite.
Pin The honey butter is truly what makes these biscuits extraordinary. I discovered this combination years ago at a small bakery in Vermont, and I've been perfecting my version ever since. The slight floral notes in good quality honey complement the warm cinnamon in ways that regular butter simply cannot.
Make Ahead Options
These biscuits work wonderfully as a make ahead breakfast option. You can prepare the dry ingredients and cut in the butter the night before, storing this mixture in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add the wet ingredients, scoop, top with cinnamon sugar, and bake. This cuts your morning prep time in half while still delivering that freshly baked experience.
Smart Substitutions
While this recipe is perfect as written, you can easily adapt it based on what you have available. Buttermilk can replace regular milk for a slightly tangier flavor profile. Brown sugar can substitute for white sugar in the topping for deeper molasses notes. Even the cinnamon can be supplemented with cardamom or nutmeg for a different spice profile if you want to experiment with flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These biscuits create a lovely centerpiece for a breakfast or brunch spread. Pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, and perhaps some crispy bacon for a balanced meal. For a dessert application, split the biscuits and use them as the base for strawberry shortcake in summer months, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. The versatility makes them perfect for any occasion.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh them, split in half and toast lightly before adding a fresh spread of honey butter. For longer storage, freeze completely cooled biscuits in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their fresh baked texture.
Pin Enjoy these delightful cinnamon sugar drop biscuits warm with honey butter.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I make sure my biscuits are fluffy?
Use very cold butter and be careful not to overmix the dough. Drop the dough onto the sheet while it's still cold for tender results.
- → Can I substitute buttermilk for whole milk?
Yes, buttermilk can be used for a tangier flavor, adding extra tenderness and subtle complexity to the biscuits.
- → What’s the best way to serve honey butter?
Serve honey butter at room temperature so it's easy to spread over warm, freshly baked biscuits.
- → How can I store leftover biscuits?
Keep biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- → Are there any add-ins that work well?
You can add a pinch of nutmeg or finely chopped nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.